Los Alamos scientist to be released

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. {AP} A federal judge Thursday agreed to release former Los Alamos scientist Wen Ho Lee on $1 million bail while he awaits trial on charges of mishandling U.S. nuclear secrets.

Lee, 60, had twice before been denied bail. U.S. District Judge James Parker relented after a hearing in which Lee's lawyers cast doubt on the solidity of the government's case and just how sensitive the nuclear material involved was.

"I conclude that there now is a combination of conditions that will reasonably assure the appearance of Dr. Lee as required and the safety of the community and the nation," Parker said.

Lee's attorneys, Mark Holscher and John Cline, said in a statement they were gratified by the decision "and will do everything in our power to prevent him from being placed in jail again."

Lee was not immediately released. The judge set a hearing for Tuesday on the conditions of his release.

Under the judge's proposal, the Taiwanese-born scientist would be required to remain at his White Rock home under surveillance at most times, and all of his telephone calls and mail could be inspected. He could leave only in the company of at least one of his lawyers and would be required to report by telephone twice a day to the federal court.

The only other person who could live there would be his wife, Sylvia Lee, but his children could come for visits prearranged with authorities. Mrs. Lee could leave the home only after notifying authorities of where she was going and why and when she planned to be back and law enforcement agents would be allowed to search her both before and after her trip.

Lee's bond would be secured by his property and that of friends and relatives. Some 15 friends and relatives appeared before Parker last week to offer their property to allow Lee to be freed on bail. Their property, combined with Lee's, is worth about $2.2 million, defense attorneys said.

The U.S. attorney's office and Justice Department said they were reviewing Parker's order and would respond in court.

Victor Hwang, managing attorney for the Asian Law Caucus, said: "The conditions, while restrictive, are livable restrictions."